WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Hi all.
I was just curious as to what the benefit of using SSB mode on 70cm and the 2-meter bands? I’ve heard that some amateurs use it and I was not sure why.
Thanks.

As far as I know, more range... you are allowed more power (PEP - umm.. pY I think?) and it's horizontal pol. so you can use a high gain yagi more effectively. My memory's a bit rusty. I seem to remember horizontal works better over the horizon? I also suspect some of the older hams prefer to listen to the lovely whiny tones of SSB

slipknot wrote:Hi all.
I was just curious as to what the benefit of using SSB mode on 70cm and the 2-meter bands? I’ve heard that some amateurs use it and I was not sure why.
Thanks.

FM sounds great when it has full quieting but over a distance it can be a bit hard on the ears.

SSB is used for the weak signal stuff...like moonbounce,meteor scatter, aircraft enhancement to name a few.

im Saving up to buy the IC 718 HF tranciever, and I was just thinking if it would be worth spending another $200 on a radio that also includes 70cm and 2 meter bands as I already have a FT7800 2m and 70cm band radio but without SSB FM only.
I doubt weather I would even use That mode.
Thanks Guys.

I used have the 718, its a nice radio but lacks a few features.
You also can't contol the AGC speed which is a bit too fast.

Keep saving and get an Icom 706 or Yaesu 857.

VK6ZMS wrote:Keep saving and get an Icom 706 or Yaesu 857.

Two of the four on my shortlist. Any comments on the FT-450? (Noting that it doesn't have 2m/70cm). I have IC-7000 on the list in case I have a bit of lotto luck.

VK6ZMS wrote:Keep saving and get an Icom 706 or Yaesu 857.

Two of the four on my shortlist. Any comments on the FT-450? (Noting that it doesn't have 2m/70cm). I have IC-7000 on the list in case I have a bit of lotto luck.

robbage wrote:

VK6ZMS wrote:Keep saving and get an Icom 706 or Yaesu 857.

Two of the four on my shortlist. Any comments on the FT-450? (Noting that it doesn't have 2m/70cm). I have IC-7000 on the list in case I have a bit of lotto luck.

I have not used a FT-450, the best place for reviews is eham.
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

I have an FT-857 in the car and that's a keeper .... 5/5

VK6ZMS wrote:Keep saving and get an Icom 706 or Yaesu 857.

Two thoughts on this one. Yes I agree keep saving as because you don't think now you will use it, in future your interests may change and you would regret not having SSB capability. Second thought is there are quite a few VHF and UHF SSB capable rigs appearing on the second hand market. So if a HF only set was purchased, could always go that path later if required.

robbage wrote: Two of the four on my shortlist. Any comments on the FT-450? (Noting that it doesn't have 2m/70cm). I have IC-7000 on the list in case I have a bit of lotto luck.

Not seen one in action but there was one on display at hamfest and it certainly looks nice. (So did the one in the perspex case. Can't remember if it was a 2000 or a 9000).

My shortlist is down basically now to a FT897D as I want portable capability on internal batteries.

Blinky wrote:Not seen one in action but there was one on display at hamfest and it certainly looks nice.

I just noticed Andrews are doing the FT-450 AT which has the optional ATU pre-installed. Same price as the lowest price I found elsewhere without the ATU. Damn the empty wallet.

Blinky wrote:(So did the one in the perspex case. Can't remember if it was a 2000 or a 9000).

Can't remember either, but I heard the guy behind the counter say it was the same unit they brought to the last fest and they don't sell (probably the 9000 then)

Blinky wrote:My shortlist is down basically now to a FT897D as I want portable capability on internal batteries.

That was on my long list for that reason... My notes say it can take two battery packs and internal PSU option. Dunno why I struck it.